2019 Toyota Highlander Owner Complaints

UA8OF transmission went. Vehicle was making whining noise when purchased and was told was normal. Driving the car as normal when traveling through intersection when car would not drive.

NHTSA ID

11756369

Incident

Aug 7, 2026

The back passenger door (passenger side) will not unlock when using the remote or the button on the front door panels. The only way to open the door is to push the button manually on the car door. The child lock is NOT ON!!! I called the Toyota dealer in my town and they said there are no recalls and it would be $200 to do a diagnostic test on it. This is not ok. To not be able to unlock the door from the remote or the front door panel is not acceptable.

NHTSA ID

11755612

Incident

Aug 4, 2026

My 2019 Toyota Highlander has the same UA80 transmission that Toyota was required to fix under CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM ZJC, which covers 2017-2018, the transmission has the same whining noise and shifting issues. Toyota must accept responsibility for their manufacturing error where the washer tab was not bent properly, allowing a nut to loosen leading to the whining noise. I expect the NHTS to require them to cover their 2019's as well, as a consumer we are getting screwed here.

NHTSA ID

11754310

Incident

Jul 15, 2026

In April of 2026 started hearing a whining noise in the engine of my 2019 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle has 110471 miles. Have had it checked at the dealership twice and a mechanic twice. All have said the transmission is going out. I have had the transmission fluid replaced, but it did not help. Apparently, Toyota knew about this problem and still sold the car. I am unable to drive car because I am afraid it is going to break down. The dealership said they could replace the transmission for 8762.64 dollars. Toyota has since stopped making UA80 eight speed auto transmission.

NHTSA ID

11753890

Incident

Apr 8, 2026

I have a 2019 Highlander XLE AWD that had 85000 miles when the transmission started whining. It got worse pretty quickly so iI took it to a transmission shop. They rebuilt it for $6700.00. I drove it for another 9-10 thousand miles and the whine is back. I'm not sinking another $6700.00 into another transmission. I've talked to several transmission shops and I'm being told there isn't a true fix. Rebuild it and it will come back, guaranteed. What recourse do I have? The car only has 102,000 miles which is typically nothing for a Toyota. But it all started at 85000. Something needs to be done. I see programs for the 2017 and 2018 models but not the 2019. It's the same transmission. The issues crop up after the vehicle has gone out of warranty.

NHTSA ID

11752267

Incident

Apr 4, 2025

I am writing to formally document a series of unresolved mechanical issues with my vehicle, culminating in a complete transmission failure, and to request assistance in resolving this matter. The timeline of events is detailed below: *Winter 2024: I first noticed a persistent buzzing sound originating from the engine compartment. Because this symptom primarily occurred during low ambient temperatures, I initially attributed it to the cold weather. The mileage on this vehicle was around 50k miles. *Spring 2024: I contacted the dealership to report the noise. I was advised that the issue was likely related to a worn belt. Subsequent inspection, however, proved this diagnosis to be incorrect, and the root cause of the noise remained unresolved. *Fall 2024: The engine buzzing returned. Concurrently, a severe driveability issue emerged. On multiple occasions after shifting from Park to Drive, the vehicle failed to engage the gear properly, behaving as though it were in Neutral and preventing any acceleration. This would occur while driving and stopped at redlights, which posed a major safety concern as I was transporting my newborn and young child with me. * February 2025: The vehicle became entirely inoperable. Unfortunately, this failure occurred around 62k miles, AFTER my 60k mile warranty expired, (which i was unaware of). Given that these symptoms began during the winter of 2024 and were reported to the dealership early on, it is clear that the initial diagnostics failed to identify a developing and critical transmission defect. I conducted research and discovered this is a recurring issue with Toyota Highlanders, and other vehicles with the model UA80 transmission. Toyota posted a service bulletin, extending vehicles from 2017 & 2018 but have yet to address the 2019 through current models to date with reports of the same transmission issues.

NHTSA ID

11751157

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

The car is was a 2019 Toyota Highlander with approximately 125,000 miles. White Smoke started appearing in the exhaust. Quickly after that, the check engine light appeared and started blinking, meaning the engine was misfiring. We brought to the dealership, and they found that cylinder 4 of the engine was damaged (scoring on the inside of the cylinder wall). The engine was releasing metal particles in the oil. Further, the cylinder would not hold oil or coolant pressure, and was burning both oil and coolant. The only fix was to replace or rebuild the engine.

NHTSA ID

11749690

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

Hundreds of thousands of 2017–2022 gas-powered Toyota Highlanders (equipped with UA80E/UA80F 8-speed transmissions) are experiencing high-pitched whining noises, hard or erratic shifting, and sudden hesitation. This is caused by a factory defect where a retaining nut and locking tab in the counter drive gear sub-assembly were improperly installed, causing premature internal wear and gear movement

NHTSA ID

11749409

Incident

Dec 10, 2025

I have the high pitch whine coming from transmission. It is a known issue with Toyota but they refuse to look into it since my VIN falls outside their recall list. This is the same transmission as previous years and has the exact same issues. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately.

NHTSA ID

11749132

Incident

Jul 2, 2025

Whining sound can be heard while accelerating the vehicle. Maintenance crew is reporting an issue with transmission. UA80F 8 speed transmission on V6 engine in Toyota Highlander has this failure noise. Given that the transmission can fail anytime. It is dangerous to operate the vehicle. No action is taken from Toyota yet.

NHTSA ID

11747859

Incident

Oct 22, 2025

Since October 2025 I have had intermittent issues where the car battery suddenly loses power when driving. I have had to pull over on highway medians and shoulders. A few seconds before it loses power, multiple dash alerts go off: pre-collision malfunction, hybrid system malfunction, check engine. It has been seen now by multiple mechanics including Toyota dealership. It is now on its third battery. Replaced yesterday and lost power on highway today. Please investigate this issue.

NHTSA ID

11747050

Incident

Oct 17, 2025

The dealership recommended transmission fluid exchange services for my 2019 Highlander SE after the recommended mileage for this service. I wasn’t able to get this service completed because of timing, however later on the service was completed and after three weeks the vehicle started jerking upon acceleration. Took the Benchley back to the mechanic to diagnose the problem. Per the diagnostic test the issue was determined by this code transmission P0745-7F | Pressure Control Solenoid "A" Actuator Stuck Off - Pending DTC.

NHTSA ID

11745180

Incident

Jun 14, 2026

My car has been making a whining noise upon acceleration. It stops whining as soon as you release the acceleration I had a mechanic look at it who verified transmission failure.

NHTSA ID

11743683

Incident

Jun 4, 2026

My Toyota Highlander 2019 began to produce a whining noise that orginates in the transmission at about 89000 miles. An independent mechanic examined the vehicle and deteremined that the noise is well documented. After conducting research, I found that the issue is caused by improper assembly and the only repair is a complete replacement of the transmission. I also discovered that there is a recall on the 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander due to the 8 speed transmission which is also used in my vehicle. The idea that the 2019-2022 Toyota Highlanders are NOT included in this recall is completely unreasonable. These vehicles utilize the same 8-speed transmission and the whining noise tends to surface after 60, 000 miles - about four to five years based on useage. The whining noise began without warning or symptoms. The vehicle drove without issues and we intended on driving this vehicle into retirement considering the reputation Toyota had on building reliable vehicles. I will never purchase or recommend the purchase of a Toyota vehicle! The idea that repeated transmission failures, without an univeral recall for all years affected, shows that the comsumer is not respected. I would enjoy understanding the logic and data that enabled Toyota to limit the recall to just three production year when the 8-speed transmission spanned six years of production (2017-2022). I am now forced to look into replacing the transmission with potentionally another faulty, improperly assembled 8-speed transmission.

NHTSA ID

11743535

Incident

May 22, 2026

The rear air conditioning refrigerant lines on a 2019 Toyota Highlander SE failed due to excessive rust/corrosion, causing the A/C system to leak refrigerant and stop holding a charge. The failure affected the rear A/C lines that run to the rear of the vehicle. The problem was first diagnosed by an independent repair shop and then confirmed by a Toyota dealer. The Toyota dealer documented that the rear A/C lines were leaking due to excessive rust/corrosion. The dealer recommended replacing the rear A/C lines/cooling lines as a set, evacuating and recharging the A/C system, adding dye, and checking system operation. The repair was completed by the Toyota dealer but not covered or reimbursed. The vehicle/component was inspected by an independent service center and by a Toyota dealer. Toyota corporate customer support was also informed of the dealer diagnosis. The failed component may no longer be available for inspection because the repair has been completed, but repair records, dealer diagnosis, invoice, and related documentation are available. Safety concern: The A/C system failure can affect occupant safety and visibility because air conditioning is used for windshield defogging/defrosting and cabin humidity control. Loss of A/C can reduce the ability to clear the windshield in humid or rainy conditions. It can also create a risk to rear passengers, including children, during hot weather because the rear A/C system is no longer functioning as designed. The failure also involved leaking refrigerant from corroded lines. Toyota will not accept that this is a premature and dangerous parts failure. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages before the failure. The symptom was that the A/C stopped cooling and would not hold refrigerant. The cause was later confirmed, by Toyota, as leaking rear A/C lines due to excessive rust/corrosion. Toyota has refused goodwill repair even after NUMEROUS persons have reported the same issue online.

NHTSA ID

11743516

Incident

May 29, 2026

I am reporting a potential premature transmission failure in my 2019 Toyota Highlander AWD. At approximately 89,000 miles, the vehicle developed a noticeable and persistent whining noise coming from the transmission/drivetrain area. The noise continued despite transmission service and has progressed to the point where the vehicle requires a transmission replacement. I have had the vehicle evaluated by three separate repair facilities, including transmission specialists. All three independently determined that the transmission has failed and requires replacement. Repair estimates range from approximately $7,200 to $12,000. A complete transmission failure at approximately 89,000 miles is unexpected and raises concerns about a possible design or manufacturing defect. A transmission failure while driving could cause loss of power, inability to accelerate, reduced control of the vehicle, or create a dangerous situation while merging, entering traffic, or traveling at highway speeds. The vehicle has been maintained and used normally. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this issue may affect other Toyota Highlander owners and should be investigated for a potential safety-related defect.

NHTSA ID

11743301

Incident

May 1, 2026

8 speed transmission faulty

NHTSA ID

11743106

Incident

Jun 9, 2026

My 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE V6 developed a serious transmission-related safety problem that ultimately resulted in a sudden loss of propulsion while driving. For some time before the failure, I had noticed an unusual startup noise during cold starts and mentioned this concern during routine service visits at an authorized Toyota dealership. I was advised that the condition was normal. Prior to the major failure, the vehicle otherwise remained drivable. On December 2, 2025, the vehicle underwent scheduled maintenance at an authorized Toyota dealership, including a transmission fluid service. Within the following days, during cold weather conditions (approximately 35°F), the vehicle began exhibiting transmission shudder, RPM flare, harsh torque converter engagement, and illuminated both the Check Engine and Traction Control warning lights. I immediately returned the vehicle to the servicing dealership and reported that these symptoms had appeared following the maintenance visit. After inspection, I was informed that the torque converter clutch actuator had failed and that the transmission would require replacement or rebuilding. The vehicle was released to me, and I was not advised that it was unsafe to drive or that it should not be operated. On the morning of December 11, 2025, while driving home from work in approximately 31°F temperatures, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion. The engine RPM increased, but the vehicle would not move under its own power. I narrowly avoided being rear-ended by a truck traveling behind me. I believe this created a significant risk of a serious collision. The vehicle was towed and remained out of service for approximately two months because replacement transmissions were difficult to obtain. The transmission was ultimately replaced with a used transmission assembly at a total repair cost of approximately $7,220. After the transmission replacement, the unusual startup noise that I had previously reported completely disappeared,

NHTSA ID

11742621

Incident

Dec 11, 2025

I am filing this safety complaint regarding a known defect in my 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid related to the high-pressure fuel system. My vehicle triggered a Check Engine Light with Diagnostic Trouble Code P107B - Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor ‘B’ Circuit Range/Performance. This code appeared multiple times (3 stored faults). Toyota has formally acknowledged this defect by issuing Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0050-20 specifically for 2018-2019 Highlander Hybrid vehicles. This is a fuel system pressure issue that directly affects the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle. A failure in the fuel rail pressure system can cause: •Sudden loss of engine power while driving •Unexpected stalling at highway speeds •Inability to accelerate when needed, creating a dangerous situation in traffic Despite Toyota acknowledging this defect through TSB T-SB-0050-20, Jim Coleman Toyota (10400 Auto Park Ave, Bethesda, MD 20817, Phone: 301-618-0480) quoted me nearly $3,000 to repair this issue rather than covering it under warranty. I believe Toyota should issue a formal recall to protect all owners of affected vehicles. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter and pressure Toyota to issue a recall covering all 2018-2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles affected by this known fuel system defect.

NHTSA ID

11741155

Incident

May 25, 2026

Transmission is whining on speeds between 25-55 mph. Pointing to pre-mature internal failure of components in Transmission.

NHTSA ID

11740619

Incident

May 5, 2026

My 2019 Toyota Highlander has taken on water from a leaking Panoramic Sunroof. Both times the dealership ran it through a car wash and it did not leak after cleaning the sun roof drains. Took my car in on 5/4/2026 after a thunderstorm and they cleaned (Tom O’Brien Toyota) the roof drains. Then on the evening of [XXX], we had a heavy thunderstorm which resulted in 3 quarts of water that my husband cleaned off the liner. It was also dripping inside on the armrest. Now I have a sagging liner with water stains. We took the car in again on 5/22/2026 and they cleaned the drains again.We are expected to have rain for the next 3 days. If I leave the liner back it could result in water pouring in the cabin, shorting out the electrical heat warmers on my console. What about MOLD and discoloration? Talk about safety concerns.!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11739522

Incident

May 19, 2026

Transmission is giving a whining noice when accelerating. Took it to Toyota dealer, they said the transmission needs to be changed and it will cost me $11,000 . There are many complaints online about these UA80 Transmissions and the root cause is listed to an assembly problem during production but Toyota will not accept this and will not help to replace it

NHTSA ID

11739457

Incident

May 9, 2026

When accelerating, started hearing a whining noise. Took to mechanic, said it was the transmission. Called Toyota and they had us bring it in for diagnostics. Also said we needed a new transmission. Quoted at over 13K - could fail at any time. This should not be happening in a 2019 vehicle and seems to be a known issue that Toyota is not doing anything to address.

NHTSA ID

11739004

Incident

Apr 27, 2026

Vehicle has experienced sudden stalling while driving and an intermittent Check Engine Light with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P107B — Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor “B” Circuit Range/Performance. This is the exact condition covered by Toyota Technical Service Bulletins T-SB-0050-20 and T-SB-009-23, and Customer Support Program 23TE04 (Denso low-pressure fuel pump settlement coverage, valid until July 15, 2036 or 150,000 miles). Timeline: • Late April 2026 (while driving ~300–400 miles from home): Vehicle stalled without warning at a red light. • May 5, 2026 (while driving on freeway ~50–75 miles from home): Check Engine Light illuminated. AutoZone scan and dealer diagnostic tool both confirmed DTC P107B. • May 5, 2026: Dealer performed health check using Toyota GTS+ tool (see attached screenshot taken at 15:58:01). Screen clearly shows “PERMANENT: YES” confirming a permanent stored fault code. • May 5–15, 2026: Crown Toyota (Ontario, CA) confirmed the code was present on arrival (Repair Order 2842115 dated 05/15/26). They later cleared the code, performed a short test drive, could not duplicate the fault at that moment, and closed the repair order as “inconclusive.” They refused the low-pressure fuel pump replacement under Customer Support Program 23TE04 even though corporate cases #260505002096 and #260515002110 had previously confirmed eligibility based on the prior pump replacement (9/11/2021, RO #1764477). The issue is known to be intermittent and occurs under load/highway conditions. This creates a serious safety risk of sudden loss of power while driving. T-SB-0050-20 specifically directs dealers to replace the low-pressure fuel pump assembly when P107B is present on 2018–2019 Highlander Hybrids, and T-SB-009-23 provides the official repair procedure under CSP 23TE04. I have attached: (1) the dealer repair order RO 2842115, and (2) the May 5, 2026 GTS+ diagnostic screenshot showing the permanent DTC. Please investigate this as a potential safety defect.

NHTSA ID

11738304

Incident

May 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, on the highway. the contact notice an abnormal noise coming from the transmission. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure and they informed him this will not b escalated and offered no further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 133, 000.

NHTSA ID

11737673

Incident

May 3, 2026

Mileage

133,000 mi